The PhenX Toolkit uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy.

Essential Protocols:

Description:

The Auditory Continuous Performance Test (ACPT) Battery is a compilation of four auditory vigilance tests designed to measure the cognitive functions of working memory and interference control. Each subsequent version increases the cognitive load on the subject, allowing the investigator to ascertain processing susceptibilities. The tests are administered and scored using a computer. A test administrator reads each test’s instructions and then the participant performs each test, first in a practice session and then in the formal test. The examiner can choose which tests to use depending on the age of the subject and also the research or clinical questions being asked.

Specific Instructions:

1. The examiner should ensure that the sound level is comfortable for the participant being tested and that they are proficient in responding with the mouse or keyboard. Instructions and practice are given before the test. Before proceeding to the test, the examiner must be convinced that the subject understands the task by demonstrating proficiency during the practice session.

3. The QA-vigilance task is the easiest of the tasks and the first block of vigilance should be done first to get the subject into the set. The choice of other tasks is optional although it is recommended that vigilance, working memory, and at least one of the interference tasks be used.

4. The ACPT battery can be used to assess any neuropsychiatric disorders. It is not limited to studying psychotic disorders or risk for psychosis. At this date, the test is validated for children 12 years or older.

The ACPT battery can be used in combination with task fMRI.

Protocol:

To obtain the computerized version of the test, contact the author, Dr. Seidman.

Protocol Name from Source:

Availability:

Personnel and Training Required

The interviewer should be a psychologist, a psychologist in training, or a technician under the supervision of a psychologist.

Equipment Needs

The PhenX Working Group acknowledges these questions are administered in a computerized format and will require a laptop computer/handheld computer to administer this protocol.

Requirements

Requirement Category

Required

Major equipment

No

Specialized training

Yes

Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection

No

Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual

No

Mode of Administration

Performance-based task

Life Stage:

Adolescent, Adult, Senior

Participants:

Teenagers and adults, ages 12 and up

Selection Rationale

Continuous performance tests (CPTs) have been used for the last 60 years as indicators of vigilance and sustained attention in mental illness, especially schizophrenia. These auditory CPTs have proven to be sensitive to impairments in persons at clinical and familial risk for schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, and in schizophrenia.

These tests can be scaled up or down to support a study’s targeted age group.